Robert Kahakalau, known professionally as Bob Carter (February 11, 1922 – August 1, 1993) was an American jazz bassist and arranger. Born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1922, Carter learned bass and guitar from his father, a vaudeville performer of Hawaiian heritage. He played in local orchestras from 1937 to 1940, toured from 1940 to 1942, and led a trio in Boston in 1944. In 1944–45 he worked in groups on 52nd Street in New York City with Tony Scott, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Stuff Smith, and Charlie Shavers. After playing bebop with Allen Eager and Max Roach in 1946, he worked with Charlie Ventura from 1947 to 1949 and again in 1953–54. In the interim he played with Benny Goodman in 1949–50.